J.K. Rowling's new book tops pre-order sales

Likely to be 'one of the biggest releases of the 21st century'

Published: 09/24/2012 at 12:23 PM

(TELEGRAPH) — Her previous books sparked Potter mania and made JK Rowling one of the world’s richest women. Now, days before its official release, the author’s first foray into grown-up literature has already become a publishing phenomenon.

Pre-orders of The Casual Vacancy are the highest for any book this year, while booksellers are hoping that a marketing blitz this week will send copies flying off the shelves when it is officially launched this week.

Publishers will doubtless be hoping that many of the millions who enjoyed the Harry Potter books snap up the new tome, which may also appeal to readers who saw the boy wizard series as too childish or fantasy-based.